Assassin Mercenary (5e Background)

This page is incomplete and/or lacking flavor. Reason: This background is lacking a lot of fluff. It also doesn't do a good good job explaining this as a background. We already have an assassin subclass and a criminal background. The background feature here is also half-mechanical and basically forces you to be a rogue. So, this sounds more like another rogue subclass than an actual background. You can help D&D Wiki by finishing and/or adding flavor to this page. When the flavor has been changed so that this template is no longer applicable please remove this template. If you do not understand the idea behind this page please leave comments on this page's talk page before making any edits. Edit this Page | All stubs

Assassin Mercenary

Assassin Mercenaries are highly skilled killers who deviate from the norm, preferring raw power over subtlety. These operatives for hire specialize in eliminating high-value targets with ruthless efficiency, often wielding weapons designed for battlefields rather than back alleys. Their unique approach combines precision, overwhelming force, and cunning tactics, making them a deadly force to reckon with.

Skill Proficiencies: You are proficient in two of the following skills: Deception, Intimidation, Athletics, Persuasion, or Stealth.

Tool Proficiencies: One artisan's tool of your choice, poisoner’s kit

Equipment: A dark cloak with a hood, A token from a previous employer (a ring, coin, or small trinket), A Poisoner’s Kit, A martial weapon (such as a longsword or greatsword), A pouch containing 15 gold pieces

Feature: Heavy-Handed Precision

Your unorthodox combat style allows you to integrate heavy and two-handed weapons into your stealth attacks. When using a heavy or two-handed melee weapon that you are proficient with, you can apply your Sneak Attack damage as long as all other requirements for Sneak Attack are met.

Additionally, your reputation as a fearsome assassin with unconventional methods gives you leverage in negotiations. You can find employers willing to pay extra for particularly dangerous or difficult jobs, and you can more easily locate black-market vendors who sell poisons, exotic weapons, or rare tools of the trade.

Feature: Weapon Mastery

You gain proficiency with four weapons of your choice. If you choose weapons with the heavy or two-handed property, you can add +1 to your attack rolls with those weapons.

Suggested Characteristics

These are simple, but fleshed out characteristics that might help you build a bridge for your Abandoned!

d2	Personality Traits
1	I prefer efficiency over theatrics, but I’ll always leave my mark.
2	I see life as a contract—everyone has a price, even me.

d3	Ideals
1	Efficiency. The quickest and cleanest job is the best one. (Neutral)
2	Power. Strength is what makes an assassin truly unstoppable. (Neutral Evil)
3	Freedom. Contracts come and go, but my loyalty is to no one. (Chaotic Neutral)

d3	Bond
1	I owe my survival to a fellow assassin who taught me the value of strength in the shadows.
2	My first target’s family still hunts me—I must eliminate them before they find me.
3	My weapon is more than a tool; it’s a symbol of my freedom and power.

d3	Flaw
1	My arrogance in my methods makes me underestimate foes who rely on tradition.
2	I trust no one but myself, which often isolates me.
3	I have a habit of leaving loose ends—enemies who live long enough to seek revenge.

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